This rather small bell has been drawing people's attention because it is presumably the prototype of Japanese-type temple bells. This bell is not decorated with chi ornamental dots, which are usually found on the upper part of a bell. The reason for this may be its small size. The location of tsukiza (the place to be hit) is near the center of the bell, which is unusually high. The directions of the ryūzu (the bell-cannon) and tsukiza indicate that this bell was made in the classic style. On one of the ornamental vertical belt on the surface of the bell is an inscription of the production date, which was December 9, 575. Judging from its color and some damaged parts, it is possible that this bell had once been buried underground. As the finishing work after casting was not done thoroughly, the part where the molds were joined is observable. Although small in size, the style of this bell is imposing and powerful. This bell, which bears an inscription of its production date, is a significant object of the period of the six dynasties. 
Masterpieces of Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 1993, p.122, no.96.